DEVIZES Mayor Jane Burton has led the celebrations after the town was named one of the best loved in the UK.

A survey carried out by National Express asked thousands of people from all over the country to name their best market towns and Devizes came out eighth.

Mrs Burton, who is Devizes born and bred, said: "It is fantastic that Devizes has been named as one of the best towns in the country. Maybe now that the town is one of a very small minority that have kept their public loos, for towns people and visitors we, next year could be THE favourite town."

She thanked Tony Aldridge from the Devizes Tourism Partnership for his work in getting Devizes coach friendly status and the town council's parks staff for their work in keeping the town looking its best.

Mr Aldridge, who has been touring northern England on his boat Matilda Devizes, said they had seen lovely small town but none with the range of attractions and variety of independent shops and eating places as Devizes.

He said: "It is appropriate that such an interesting variety of attractions and independent shops and restaurants is recognised by this latest of many accolades. Visitors by canal, coach and car are assured of a great welcome in Devizes, also a key hub in regular bus services from Swindon/Avebury, Salisbury/Stonehouse and Bath."

Devizes gained its coach friendly status in 2014 and Mr Aldridge and others have worked hard to put the town on the tourist map. Earlier this year Devizes made the short list for the National Coach Destination of the Year award.

At the time Mr Aldridge said: “Devizes was the smallest town in the finals. We were up against stiff competition from five other major and well funded towns and cities. We are disappointed but remain enthusiastic and committed to attracting more coach tourists to the town. Being invited to attend the event is a great way of keeping Devizes in the mind of the key coach operators."

In the latest poll Ross-on-Wye came top and Thirsk second. Devizes tied with Bridport for eight while fellow Wiltshire town Chippenham came sixth

National Express Managing Director Tom Stables said: "Wiltshire is a stunning county and Chippenham and Devizes, which are rich with history and packed with points of interest, are real gems so surprising they are regarded as one of the best towns in the UK. It is tough to think of anything more quintessentially British than a market town and we think that is worth celebrating."